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7 lessons the Olympics taught us

The rio 2016 olympics have come and gone and we’ll have to wait another four years to experience the amazing performances and inspiring stories that come from the special individuals that compete. But there are some lessons that we can draw from the event and it’s athletes that can last us a lifetime.

PASSION

The Olympic games are a great example of how passion can take you to do great things. Each athlete that competed was passionate about their discipline and whether they medaled or not they expressed that passion. Their victory screams and in some cases tears in their defeat were obvious signs.

Just as these athletes do, we have to have a passion for what we do if we want to reach our highest potential. We might not be striving for a medal, but there are so many other positive things that come from being passionate.

SACRIFICE

It takes huge sacrifice to get to where you want to be. These olympic athletes have made enormous sacrifices to reach their goal. Some have been working their whole lives to reach the summer games and have given up many things to be a top performer.

In life in general you have to sacrifice if you want to accomplish goals. You have to sacrifice leisure, food, drinks and sometimes relationships to make sure that you reach the goals you want to reach.

SUPPORT

Every athlete that competed in the games got to where they were with the support of someone. Each and everyone had support from their family and their coach and teammates. You can certainly accomplish goals on your own but it’s much easier and effective to do so with support.

Find a mentor or buddy to help you in your journey, you will learn and grow together. In the end you’ll celebrate accomplishments together.

COURAGE

Amazing courage is needed to compete in the olympic games and in any competition in general. Some athletes had to overcome amazing situations in their lives to get to the games. You also need courage in life because it will test you and some times it’s very frequently. In a way we’re always competing against the odds in life. Find the courage to get up every day and face the challenges with determination.

TALENT

Every athlete in Rio was talented. They are the cream of the crop in their disciplines and there aren’t better athletes around. Those athletes found their talent and fostered it, grew with it and rode it to their destiny. For some it was a medal and for others the simple fact of competing in the greatest event in the world. Whether an athlete or not, we have to find our talents and put them to work. We can accomplish great things when we use our talents.

DEDICATION

Talent alone didn’t get these athletes to Rio and dedication was one important factor that contributed to their success. There athletes dedicated their lives to their goal, spending countless hours in training, practicing, healing, learning and preparing for these games. Talent alone without dedication will only take you so far. You need to work hard and use your talents if you want to reach your greatest potential. Even the greatest Olympian of all time Michael Phelps said he had to work harder this time around.

PURPOSE

The athletes that competed in Rio all had a huge purpose. They were all competed for something larger than their ego. Yes they wanted to get their medal but in the end they were also competing for their families, friends and their countries as a whole. Some athletes like the ones from the refugee delegation were competing for something even greater: human kind. Find your purpose and whatever you do work hard for it. This will keep you motivated and true to your own calling.

It’s always great to watch the Olympics but this year I felt like I had more to learn that in previous events. Which point resonates more with you? What other lessons can we learn from the Rio Olympics?

7 lessons the Olympics taught us was last modified: September 18th, 2016 by Humberto

Humberto Gurmilán is an accomplished Emmy Award-winning journalist and producer. He currently works for Spanish network
Telemundo and now hosts the Overcome Podcast.
Humberto is also the founder of
The Gurmilan Foundation a non-profit organization that serves people with disabilities in San Diego and Tijuana.
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